The horror that is LOVE

Rusty Car

"Thank god that's over. I don't know about you, but when I get home I'm going straight to bed." said Fahmi , walking out of the clinic and stretching.

"Well, lucky you." replied Zahraa, her co-worker.

"Whyyyyy?" Fahmi asked smiling

"I've got about 1 hour away to get to my second shift job."

"That terrible. Sure am happy that I'm not you." said Fahmi, stopping to vape . "Well, good day. I'll see you next week then."

"Hahaha yeah, see you on Monday." said Zahraa, getting into her rusty pink Kancil.

Settling in her old worn out leather seats, Zahraa turned the ignition praying the engine would start. It coughed and wheezed before reluctantly sputtering to life. Sighing in relief, she put the vehicle in gear and began driving.

For the past five years Zahraa worked two shift jobs, unable to find anything else. One was on second shift and the other was on third. They both had low pay, terrible working conditions, and long hours.

She had a Degree in Accounting, and a massive student debt. She longed to be something good but like everything in this town, her dream was dead. As hard as she worked, Zahraa had barely made a dent in what she owed.The only thing she had for herself was Aiman, her fiancee. For them to actually get married, she has been working so much and stressing  herself.

 Always exhausted by the end of the work week, she spent the majority of her days off sleeping. She had no time, energy, or money, for a social life at least not until, the wedding

Nodding off as she drove, Zahraa woke just in time to swerve back onto the road. "Shit! I'm tired." she thought, "That was too close." Her bloodshot eyes felt hot with fatigue.

A little further down the road, he spotted a brightly lit gas station with a small convenience store. Pulling in and parking, Zahraa noticed there were no other vehicles in the lot.She entered the small building and grabbed several energy drinks. After paying for them at the counter, the cashier put them in a plastic bag, saying, "Have a good night, ma'am."

Exiting the store, she started back to the rusty old car while digging for her keys. Zahraa was almost to the door when a filthy man in torn clothes stepped from the shadows. "Excuse me? Can you spare some change?" asked the beggar in a phlegm clogged voice.

Not really wanting to give him anything, Zahraa sighed, saying, "Wait a moment. I have some money in the ashtray."

She got into his truck, putting the bag on the floor. Zahraa grabbed a handful of change and turned to give it to the man. She was surprised to find the beggar was gone. Shrugging, she put the change back into the ashtray and started the engine.

In a flash the beggar appeared at the passenger door, opened it, and got inside. He held a crusty knife to Zahraa's throat. "Drive." he croaked.

"Where?" replied Zahraa, sounding unconcerned.

"I like that." said the man.

"What?"

"You're not begging and crying to be let go."

Putting the truck in gear, Zahraa pulled onto the road. She was not scared of the man. Instead, she was worried about losing her job if she arrived late.

"You don't seem scared like the others." said the man.

"I'm not." said Zahraa, placidly.

"Why the hell not? I might kill you before the night's over." the man said, sounding agitated.

"No, you won't."

"You're just asking for it now." the man said, raising his voice.

"Am I? Am I really? Tell me, how many people have you killed?" Zahraa asked.

"Lots."

"I doubt it. I don't think you've ever committed murder. Anyone that's killed before can tell you've never done it.

"Now I, on the other hand, have killed fourteen people. I don't get some sick pleasure from it. For me, it's stress release. It's like opening a pressure valve and letting out some steam." said Zahraa, pulling over.

Looking around, the beggar noticed they were in a secluded area. Thick forest lined both sides of the road, not a car or house in sight. A chill ran up the filthy man's spine.

Putting the truck in park, Zahraa turned off the engine and pocketed the keys. Then she turned toward his passenger looking slightly agitated. "We gotta do this quick so I'm not late for work. It's kinda funny. I was having trouble finding another victim before you came along, practically falling into my lap." said Zahraa.

The beggar was trembling now, barely holding onto the knife. Turning, she fumbled with the latch trying to open the passenger door. The beggar could not think straight. He was panicking.

"Outside you have a chance. You should probably get out and run." Zahraa said, pulling out a knife from under the seat. "This won't be any fun for me if you don't. I'm counting to three."

The man fumbled at the latch.

"One." said Zahraa.

More fumbling.

"Two."

Frantic fumbling.

"Three."

The beggar opened the door and fell out onto the ground. Standing, the beggar took off into the woods in a blind panic. Zahraa's mouth grew into a wicked grin and she ran in after him.

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The hunt had lasted too long. Zahraa stood before her fiancee trying to explain why she was twenty minutes late for their dinner. "Well," said Aiman ."I can not be mad at you ,boo. You are just working so hard these days"

"Yes, and i am sorry" said Zahraa.

"Enough chit-chat. Lets eat!" said Aiman.

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